Intravascular blood filter

Abstract

Disclosed is a novel filter and delivery means. The device described within will not interfere with standard practice and tools used during standard surgical procedures and tools such as cannulas, clamps or dissection instruments including valve replacement sizing gages or other surgical procedures where the patient must be put on a heart-lung machine cross-clamping the aorta.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 145,149, filed Jan. 16, 2009, entitled “Intravascular Blood Filter,” the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE[0002]All publications and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]This invention relates generally to medical devices used during vascular intervention, and more particularly, concerns medical devices that are useful in treating aortic valve replacement, thromboembolic disorders and for removal of foreign bodies in the vascular system.[0004]Thromboembolic disorders, such as stroke, pulmonary embolism, peripheral thrombosis, atherosclerosis, and the like, affect many people. These dis...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a method for filtering the carotid arteries to protect the brain from embolic particles during procedures involving the heart and aorta. The method involves delivering filters to the carotid arteries and retrieving them via a snare post procedure. The filters can be delivered using a single catheter or a dual lumen catheter. The use of filters can reduce the risk of stroke and allow for extended implantation time. The patent also describes the use of antithrombotic coatings on the filters to prevent blood clotting. The patent also mentions the use of the filters in surgical operations where the patient is on heart-lung bypass. The patent describes various methods for delivering and retrieving the filters using fluoroscopy or ultrasound guidance.

Problems solved by technology

These disorders are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States and throughout the world.

When an artery is occluded by a clot, tissue ischemia (lack of oxygen and nutrients) develops.

Failure to reestablish blood-flow can lead to the loss of limb, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, stroke, or even death.

Occlusion of the venous circulation by thrombi leads to blood stasis which can cause numerous problems.

While such surgical techniques have been useful, exposing a patient to surgery may be traumatic and is best avoided when possible.

Additionally, the use of a Fogarty catheter may be problematic due to the possible risk of damaging the interior lining of the vessel as the catheter is being withdrawn.

Balloon angioplasty is appropriate for treating vessel stenosis but is generally not effective for treating acute thromboembolisms.

Unfortunately, thrombolysis typically takes hours to days to be successful.

Additionally, thrombolytic agents can cause hemorrhage and in many patients the agents cannot be used at all.

Another problematic area is the removal of foreign bodies.

The use of such removal devices can be difficult and sometimes unsuccessful.

Moreover, systems heretofore disclosed in the art are generally limited by size compatibility and the increase in vessel size as the emboli is drawn out from the distal vascular occlusion location to a more proximal location near the heart.

If the embolectomy device is too large for the vessel it will not deploy correctly to capture the clot or foreign body, and if too small in diameter it cannot capture clots or foreign bodies across the entire cross section of the blood vessel.

Additionally, if the embolectomy device is too small in retaining volume then as the device is retracted the excess material being removed can spill out and be carried by flow back to occlude another distal vessel.

However, such devices have been found to have structures which are either highly complex or lacking in sufficient retaining structure.

Disadvantages associated with the devices having highly complex structure include difficulty in manufacturability as well as difficulty in use in conjunction with microcatheters.

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